August 12, 2022

They tried to kill the messenger, but Ahikam intervened on behalf of Jeremiah, and they let him live. He had stood right in the court of the Lord's house with a message to the people of God from him that they didn't like, and rather than repent of their evil ways, they got angry and threatened to kill him. Is the warning he gave them something we need to hear? As Christ-followers, are we doing things that go against the things of God that he has put in place to keep up from harm? Jesus told us to love God and people; are we doing that with all our hearts? Are we engaging in a lifestyle that reflects those around us rather than following the ways of Jesus? If you were standing in front of Jesus and he began assessing the things you do, would he be pleased? 

Think about some of the things you engage in daily that could be disappointing to the Lord. Maybe you read astrology, get lost in salacious books, or look at pornography. What if it's simpler than that; perhaps you are portraying a blissful lifestyle on social media when it doesn't reflect the truth. Isn't that a lie? What about coveting? Wow! I may have forgotten about that commandment. This post is hitting home for me today! What about Saturday the Sabbath? Do you keep it holy? The point is, stay repentant! It's nearly impossible to keep the commandments strictly; Jesus knew we couldn't do it, so he chose to die for us. He covered all our sins, past and future, but we still need to reach out to him and ask his forgiveness every day.

“Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds. Jeremiah 26:2-3